Juba, South Sudan—NEC held a press conference to announce the outcome of the NEC Operational Planning retreat and launch the official website for the NEC. 56 participants from NEC, Media houses, international partners, and others attended this event.

During this press conference Honorable Professor Abednego Akok Kacuol, the chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC), and Deputy Chairperson Honorable Gabriel Gabriel Deng briefed the participants on the outcome of the Operational Planning, adoption of regulations, and signing of the code of conduct. The Spokesperson of the NEC spokesperson, Honorable George Lemi Yata launched the website and took the participants through its contents.

The commission then answered questions raised by the media about the legal framework, budget and finance, and the website.

The National Elections Commission held a successful operational planning retreat in Entebbe Uganda, attended by nine commissioners, two Secretariat Staff, and eight UN Integrated Electoral Assistance Team advisors.

The objective of this operational planning retreat was for the Commission to calibrate its priorities and establish an overall strategy for advancing its institutional readiness towards managing the electoral process that would enable the holding of the anticipated elections to be held in December 2026.  Some of the objectives of the planning retreat included:

• Review of R-ACSS extension timelines and identify key political decisions required for NEC to be able to deliver the December 2026 elections
• Define NEC’s strategies and priorities.
• Define the method for drafting of the operational plan.
• Discuss Voter Registration and boundary delimitation processes and their implementation.
• Discuss the way forward towards Civic Voter Education and Education and Engagement
• Define the way forward for the review of the budget.

The outcome of this retreat was a communique and a set of action points that presented a coherent position that would guide the next set of engagements with the Government and other stakeholders. This engagement is aimed at strengthening the understanding of the challenges around the organization and conduct of the electoral process under the current conditions and it is expected that this understanding will foster informed and timely decision-making.

Following the adoption of Regulation No. 1/2024 on the Use and Purpose of a Code of Conduct, and the National Elections Commission Code of Conduct 2024, the National Elections Commission (NEC) has taken a significant step towards electoral preparations by having the commissioners individually sign the said Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct formulates values and principles for the professional and ethical conduct of members and employees of the NEC.

The event took place during the NEC Operational Planning retreat in Entebbe, marking a crucial step towards conducting democratic, inclusive, transparent, peaceful, and credible elections in the country.

Key Provisions of the Code of Conduct include:

1. Respect for the Rule of Law:  requiring its signatories to ensure that the legal framework relating to elections is implemented in an impartial and equitable manner.
2. Impartiality and Neutrality:  requiring its signatories to maintain neutrality, avoid partisan support, disclose potential conflicts of interest, and avoid accepting gifts or favors from election-related entities.
3. Transparency:  requiring its signatories to provide effective access to electoral documents and information in a timely manner. This includes consulting with electoral stakeholders regularly and providing the legal rationale behind decisions made by the election administration.
4. Accuracy: requiring its signatories to ensure that all information collected, compiled, and published by the NEC has a sound factual basis and is presented in a systematic, clear, and unambiguous manner.
5. Service to Voters: requiring its signatories to aim to provide the highest quality service to voters, ensuring they adequately understand the election process and can exercise their political rights effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Code of Conduct also outlines the duties and responsibilities of NEC members and staff. These include serving with impartiality and professionalism, exercising their powers without undue influence, and acting in the best interests of the people of South Sudan. They are also required to protect confidential information, attend all NEC meetings, and report any improper influence or misconduct. The signing of the Code of Conduct in Entebbe is an important milestone towards upholding the highest standards of conduct and ethics. This move is expected to enhance the credibility and integrity of the electoral process in South Sudan.

National Elections Commission (NEC) has taken a significant step towards electoral preparations through the adoption of three (3) electoral regulations. This took place during the NEC Operational Planning retreat in Entebbe held between the 3^rd and 5^th of December 2024, marking a crucial step towards conducting democratic, inclusive, transparent, peaceful, and credible elections in the country.

These regulations are:

1. Regulation No. 1/2024 on the Use and Purpose of a Code of Conduct, and the National Elections Commission Code of Conduct 2024
2. Regulation No. 2/2024 on Observers, Media Representatives, Agents and Special Guests
3. Regulation No 3/2024 on Election Campaign

The passing of these regulations in Entebbe is an important milestone in electoral preparedness. This move paves the way for the commission to begin preparations and planning for the December 2026 election.

From November 25 to 28, UN Integrated Electoral Assistance Team (UN IEAT) facilitated a BRIDGE training workshop on Voter and Civic Education (CVE) for members of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). The workshop aimed to enhance their capacity in CVE and familiarize them with NEC’s CVE strategy was attended by 24 participants from NEC, members of CSOs and the UN IEAT. The sessions emphasized techniques, strategies, and approaches for effectively engaging with stakeholders. As a result of the BRIDGE training sessions, three NEC staff members and one UN IEAT staff member successfully achieved accreditation as BRIDGE facilitators. This milestone represents a significant advancement in strengthening the capacity of NEC personnel in the field of training and facilitation.

Juba- From October 1^st to October 17, 2024, chairpersons, deputy chairpersons, and members of the High Committees, staff members from the National Elections commission and representatives from various civil society organizations from all 10 states participated in a training program focused on electoral administration.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the electoral process in South Sudan, facilitated by BRIDGE (Building Resources in Democracy, Governance, and Elections), a comprehensive capacity development curriculum for election management bodies worldwide. This program was conducted in two phases and was attended by 72 participants.

These trainings are aimed at equipping South Sudan’s electoral stakeholders with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage upcoming elections in the country.